Summer Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed myslef! I through myself into it as who knows - it could have been my only chance and I was really trying to prove myself. But within this process I actually found that this was exactly what I wanted to be doing!

I felt I was extremely lucky with how the team repsonded to a new memeber. They were all very patient and willing to explain things ten times if needed! This meant that I did feel included and that I could ask as many questions as I needed too.

I was supported alot. I had meetings with certain members of the planning team to see how I was getting along and if I felt that I was getting the experience I wanted. They also commented on how they thought I was doing and that also gave me an indication on whether I was working hard enough or not!

There was always plenty for me to do! I started with more basic bits and peices but was then given some more substantial work to do. This made me feel worthy and that I did have a clue as to what was going on.

I was a placement student so not too much! But then again I did not feel like I should be the one making the tea. I was given 'real' work to do and that was valued.

Definately skills for life! I did not realise that I could learn so much in 3 months. My brain hurt most evenings from the overload of new information. I cleverly had a note book constantly with me so could jot lots down as I was taught. In terms of helping me with my studies - I soon realised why I was learning everything I was at uni. I hadn't really understood how it all applied until I actually got to practice it.

The atmosphere was what I expected to be honest. It was full of people engrossed in the built environment and there was also alot of talking between the teams which made the office feel more integrated. Everyone seemed nice. And people were constanly saying "hello, who are you?"!

It did seem organised. I was only meant to be there for 1 month but managed to extend by another 2 and I'm not sure if that messed up the organisation. I was based in Oxford and it did not seem as organised as London from what a fellow peer has told me.

Well I feel that I am valued in that particular office. I had done a months voluntary experience the previous summer and they wanted me back! Also I have heard from them since and they had kept in contact.

The summer placement helps greatly in terms of applying for the graduate scheme. I had a positive reponse from my supervisor and he recommended me for the graduate scheme. So potential employment prospects do look positive,

There were no other summer placement students at the office whilst I was there. But I did not care to be honest. I was there to learn and be part of a team and wanted not to known as the 'student' so I felt that this made me fit in better within the office and team. There were social events with the planning team and office which I was invited to.

There was not much socialising and I was living elsewhere.

I know Oxford as I study there and the night life is good.

As I have already said there were not many chances to socialise with colleagues. This was mainly as most of us did not live where we worked and people had to travel.